Darren Gaspar was renowned for the impeccable judgment he displayed at full-back throughout his decorated 207-game career at Richmond from 1996-2007.

Since his playing retirement from AFL football, fine judgment has continued being a trademark of Gaspar’s.

Take, for example, the following comments he made way back in 2011 about a then 21-year-old Alex Rance, who had played just 40 senior games at the time with Richmond.

Gaspar, a Jack Dyer Medallist in 2001, and a dual All-Australian representative, declared Rance a future top-line, key defender for the Tigers.

“He really caught my eye in the game against Brisbane (Round 13, 2011) when he was playing on Jonathon Brown.  He did a great job that night, consistently beating Brown in the one-on-one contests,” Gaspar said.

“Then, on the weekend (against West Coast), in a side that was getting pretty well beaten all over the field, he was really competitive.

“It’s a tough gig playing in a key-defensive post in a young side which is still developing, but I thought he showed some very good signs, especially with his attack on the footy. 

“He’s also pretty fast, his ball use is good enough, and he’s courageous.  

“So, he’s got all the attributes of a solid key defender, which is a real plus for Richmond because it’s so important to have someone capable of holding down a key defensive post.”

Heading into the 2017 season, Rance is now regarded as AFL football’s best key defender.

He’s won a Jack Dyer Medal (2015), gained All-Australian selection for the past three years, and earned wide-spread acclaim for his outstanding efforts in the Tigers’ backline.

Rance’s dazzling development, however, is no surprise to Darren Gaspar, who saw something special in him all those years ago.